Jabberwocky!

How well do you know this delightful 'nonsense' ballad? Most of the questions require you to complete a line or phrase from the poem. Have fun with an old favourite - and, if you don't know it so well, there are plenty of clues to help you guess.

#1 Complete the alliteration in this evocative opening couplet: "'Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and _____ in the wabe."

DanceGimbleTumbleGrumbleCoughocate

#2 This is the correct second couplet: "All mimsy were the mangroves, and the mome raths reached out."

TrueFalse

#3 Which one of the following words is used to describe the Jabberwock?

MimsyUffishFrumiousManxomeFrabjous

#4 Four of the following descriptions are used for the Jabberwock. Which one is not?

Jaws that biteClaws that catchBreath that burnsBurbled as it cameEyes of flame

#5 The father warns his son to watch out for two other creatures: the _____.

Jubjub bird and BandersnatchJubjub bird and Mome RathMome Rath and Terrible TumtumTumtum and BandersnatchSnicker-snack and Snark

#6 The word "vorpal" is used to describe the _____.

FatherJabberwock's headHero's swordHeroSwamp

#7 The hero paused for a while. "So rested he by the _____ tree, and stood awhile in thought."

Jabberwock'sSycamoreMimsyOld oakTumtum

#8 The hero finds the Jabberwock hiding in the tulgey wood.

TrueFalse

#9 Several words invented in this poem are now included in English dictionaries. One is used to complete this quote. After slaying the monster, "He left it dead, and with its head he went _____ back."

UffishlyA-chortlingVictoriouslyA-gimblingGalumphing

#10 Which one of the following is correct?

The hero "chortled at the Jabberwock".The Jabberwock "came chortling through the tulgey wood".The father "chortled in his joy".The Bandersnatch "chortled frumiously".The borogoves were "chortling in the wabe".

#11 The poem ends with a repeat of the first stanza.

TrueFalse

#12 With this poem, the term "portmanteau" was introduced as a name for words which are combinations of two existing words.